The International Shang Shung Institute

The International Shang Shung Institute is a non-profit, non-political heritage organisation dedicated to the preservation and study of Tibetan culture with branches in Italy, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Austria, and The Netherlands.

The Institute was founded in 1989 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and inaugurated in 1990 by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. It is active in the fields of Arts and Culture, Translation and Language Programmes, Publications, Archiving, Tibetan Medicine, Buddhist Studies and Academic Research. Read More...

Thangka Painting

10th -12th October - Venice

Throughout the weekend, you will learn how to draw Manjushri (Jampel -Yang in Tibetan language) according to Thangkas, the traditional Buddhist paintings on rolled up textile. The drawing sessions will be accompanied by detailed theoretical explanations and meditations on the topic. The practice of drawing and painting Thangkas, in addition to its high artistic value, is in fact itself a form of meditation, helping to develop a peaceful and joyful inner space. This course is suitable for beginners as well as professional artists. More info.

Tibetan Calligraphy

21st - 23rd November – Venice

28th – 30th November – Merigar West, Arcidosso (GR)

Suitable for complete beginners in Tibetan calligraphy and also for those wishing to polish and develop their skills. During the course, Tashi Mannox will explain the proportionate construction of the Tibetan Uchen script which is essential as a foundation to create competent letter form for beautiful calligraphy. For those that already know the alphabet, there will be a chance to refine skills and develop your repertoire. More info.

In this weekend the artist will teach Umè calligraphy. Umè is a cursive form of the Tibetan alphabet. The name means "headless," and is a style of the script used for both calligraphy and shorthand. A distinctive feature of umê compared to Uchen is the absence of the horizontal guide line across the top of the letters. Between syllables, the tseg mark often appears as a vertical stroke. More info.

Ku Nye Massage Courses

16th – 22nd August – part 2, Karma Ling, France

6th – 7th September - a week end Ku Nye Course, Merigar (IT)

4th – 5th October - a week end Ku Nye Course, Merigar (IT)

15th - 19th November – part 3, Karma Ling, France

24th – 30th November – part 1, Athens

8th – 15th January (2015) – part 1, London

Ku Nye, traditional Tibetan massage course

Corso di Ku Nye, massaggio tradizionale tibetano

Ku nye is a system of massage and gentle external therapies taught in the ancient lineage of traditional Tibetan Medicine. Kunye Massage includes techniques such as applying herbal-infused oils to the body, manual tissue manipulation, deep tissue work, identifying & acting on specific points, mobilizing the joints, and warming the body. Ku nye also includes therapies such as hot and cold compresses, herbal poultices and application of heated oils.

Students can choose to attend different parts of the course in different locations.

Tibetan Language

9th-29th July – Merigar West, Arcidosso (GR)

Tibetan Translators Training

Training per traduttori dal Tibetano

Join us and learn to translate ancient texts from the Tibetan tradition. If you are already skilled you can deepen your knowledge, discuss techniques, compare with others, and train your ability in a collaborative environment inspired by the ancient practice of translating in groups.

4th-10th August - Merigar West, Arcidosso (GR)

Classical Tibetan language course for beginners

Corso di lingua tibetana classica per principianti

A week to set the base for learning Classical Tibetan language and to exert yourself in reading, writing, and understanding the texts of the Tibetan tradition.

5th-8th December – Merigar West, Arcidosso (GR)

Drajor Course with Fabian Sanders – The practice of Long Life of Mandarava

Corso di Drajor sulla pratica di Mandarava con Fabian Sanders

The Drajyor transliteration system was created by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to enable the practitioners of the Dzogchen Community to pronounce correctly the invocations of the practices and the most recurrent words of the teaching. This course will focus on the correct pronunciation of the text contained within the Long Life practice of Mandarava, which is the subject of the retreat taking place during the same days.

31st October – 2nd November - Merigar West, Arcidosso (GR)

Drajor Course with Fabian Sanders – The practice of Shitrò

Corso di Drajor con Fabian Sanders sulla pratica dello Shitrò

The Drajyor transliteration system was created by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to enable the practitioners of the Dzogchen Community to pronounce correctly the invocations of the practices and the most recurrent words of the teaching. This course will focus on the correct pronunciation of the text contained within the Shitrò practice, which is the subject of the retreat taking place during the same days.

Tibetan Modern Dances

26th September – Munich - Tibetan dances performance

27th – 28th September – Munich – Tibetan Modern Dances Workshop

Modern dances workshops are a good opportunity to establish a true contact with Tibetan culture and its value: the symbolic richness conveyed by each movement, the emphasis on space awareness and group choreography, the play of female and male counterparts and the highly joyful sentiments fulfilled with grace and power make learning the dances an experience of growth and comprehension and a great way to foster collaboration and harmony amongst people. The courses are also recommended for their ability to stimulate energy and fitness.